Sicilian Sunshine

Depart for a visit to the splendid city of Catania, today a world heritage site for Unesco for its baroque and for being the main city in the eastern part of Sicily, which immediately reveals its architectural jewels of the historic centre, characterized by black lava stone. Countless are the hidden riches of this exciting city, whose late Baroque architecture, made unique for the extensive use of lava stone, still preserves vestiges of the Roman imperial period, despite having been rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. Worth being reminded is that Catania was the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily under the Aragonese dynasty. Among the most famous signs of the time you can discover the Cathedral, a symbol of the local devotion to Sant’Agata; the suggestive Piazza Duomo with the stone Elephant, symbol of the city; the Roman Amphitheatre; the Massimo Bellini opera house; University square; the historic “Pescheria” (ancient fish market); the splendid Via dei Crociferi, where the famous St Benedict’s Monastery is locate, made known by Verga’s novel “Story of a Blackcap”. Overnight in Catania.

Depart for its majesty the Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which rises majestically over the entire area of the province. Walking towards the Silvestri Craters, volcanic cones dating back to the year 1888 and now inactive, surrounded by more recent lava flows, you will have the opportunity to experience a truly unique emotion. Continue to Taormina, another unmissable stop for those visiting the Ionian coast, famous all over the world for its natural landscape, marine beauty, historical monuments and unforgettable panorama of the sea with a privileged view of Mount Etna. Taormina also boasts valuable architectural testimonies: the fascinating Greek-Roman Theatre, the ancient Duomo and Corvaja Palazzo. Walking in the narrow alleys of Corso Umberto it will be impossible not to be kidnapped by the shops of local products and crafts. Return to Catania and overnight.

Spend the day dedicated to the Sicilian Baroque. The first city to be visited is Syracuse, which was the home of the largest Sicilian Greek colony, a wonderful city that made the whole coast of Sicily world famous, with its archaeological park of Neapolis, today a world heritage site for humanity for Unesco, which includes the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the “Latomie del Paradiso” and Dionysus’ Ear. If Syracuse can be defined as a treasure chest, Ortigia is a real jewel inside. This beautiful islet is the home of the white Cathedral and the Arethusa Fountain, not to be missed. Arrive in Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, called “the stone garden”, full of splendid buildings, also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Inspired by the baroque ideals of the “open city”, it is a rare masterpiece and the clearest example of the theatrical tastes of the eighteenth-century architecture. Walking through the streets in the city centre you can admire the ingenious skill and the creative flair of local workers. The Noto’s baroque is in fact a game of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and cherubs, which adorn the façades of churches and monasteries. We recommend a visit to Nicolaci Palace, a wonderful noble residence, to breathe the splendour of the Sicilian nobility of the past. Return to Catania and overnight.

Depart for a visit to the Cyclops Riviera, famous for its renown seaside cities of Acicastello and Acitrezza, the setting of the Malavoglia novel by the writer Giovanni Verga. To greet Eastern Sicily there was no better activity than a ride in the Baroque Acireale, a magical place where the lava stone of the historic buildings joins the wrought iron of the balconies in a unique harmony to our eyes and our heart. Return to Catania.